The resignation of IDS has exposed the Government’s nasty side

SIR – My father was a passionate Liberal and brought me up to believe in a society that cared for everyone irrespective of their race, creed or means, which is why I consider myself to be a compassionate Conservative, having voted Tory all my life in the absence of an effectual Liberal party.

The policies currently being pursued by George Osborne, the Chancellor, which have led to the resignation of Iain Duncan Smith, the most compassionate member of the Government, risk branding the Conservative Party, once again, as the nasty party.

The Prime Minister needs to take Mr Duncan Smith’s resignation as a wake-up call.

Alan Higson Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

SIR – My wife and I are elderly (but not disabled) and we are paid over £350 each week in state benefits.

We have recently received a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions advising us that our state pensions will increase from April by a rate well in excess of inflation.

Why do we continue to pay increasingly high levels of welfare benefits to all pensioners, irrespective of need, but accept cuts to the disabled?

Peter Froggatt Dorking, Surrey

SIR – If Mr Osborne thought he could cut the cost of welfare by reducing spending on the disabled, while increasing earnings for the better off, and avoid repercussions, then he was naive in the extreme.

A serious reaction from Iain Duncan Smith, with whom we are told he has been at loggerheads over his reforms, should have been expected, given the tireless work he has done to reform the welfare system and give the less well off better opportunities.

For David Cameron to say he is “puzzled and disappointed” by Mr Duncan Smith’s resignation now seems as hollow as the claim that “we are all in this together”. Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne both seem careless too about holding the Tory party together over the forthcoming EU referendum, particularly given Mr Duncan Smith’s opposing views.

Carole Taylor

Lymington, Hampshire

SIR – At long last a politician whom we can respect.

Angela Perrin-Brown Montségur, Ariège, France

SIR – The Chancellor’s cheap jibe at the expense of the Liberal Democrats on Wednesday was unworthy.

He ought to remember that it was only with their support that he rose to his high office in 2010.

William Raymond Loughborough, Leicestershire

SIR – Does Iain Duncan Smith’s resignation mean we can keep benefits for the disabled and abolish George Osborne?

Kim Thonger Rushden, Northamptonshire